Dear MLB: A Letter From Good Ole’ Philadelphia
Dear Major League Baseball, It’s only us, Philly, Philly.
We know we’ve asked a few things from time to time, but from the city that has the distinct honor of having its own Phillies, America’s oldest sports franchise still in continuous operation, we know you’ll give this letter a read.
You might have seen the Eagles Super Bowl Parade, which was the envy of America—we’re planning one equally as big in October. We’ll save you a seat on Board Street for sure.
But this letter is about something even more pressing: Please allow former player and manager Pete Rose into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Let him in because it’s time that the All-Time MLB leader in hits, singles, and plate appearances, among others, have his legacy honored with entrance into baseball’s most elite club.
Let him in because we need to show the next generation that at some point, enough is enough.
PHOTO: Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News/USA TODAY NETWORK/Imagn Images
Let him in because this year — Rose’s grandson will play baseball for LaSalle — right here in Philly.
We know better than anyone that Rose played baseball with the physicality of an NFL linebacker like Zach Baun rather than the grace of Mickey Mantle. His style was perfect for the 1980 Championship Phillies. We know that Pete initially denied participating in gambling on the game that made him. We know that, at times, his defense seemed to be covering for the completely indefensible.
In life, Pete Rose may have routinely antagonized those who could have facilitated his admittance into the Hall of Fame, but his violations didn’t diminish his distinguished records. They still don’t. In the end, the only life that it very well may have truly affected was that of Pete Rose. This debate about his admittance to the Hall of Fame has gone on long enough.
Please be well—best regards, Philadelphia.
P.S. – We know that it’s a tough decision to admit Pete Rose into baseball’s most elite club. Do it anyway.
PHOTO: Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News/USA TODAY NETWORK/Imagn Images
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